Gracia Mendes Nasi | |
---|---|
חנה גרשיה נשיא | |
Born | 1510 |
Died | 1569 | (aged 58–59)
Other names | Beatriz de Luna Miques |
Occupation(s) | Philanthropist, businesswoman |
Known for | Wealth and influence in Renaissance Europe; escape network for Conversos |
Spouse | Francisco Mendes (Tsemach Benveniste) |
Children | Ana (Reyna Nasi) |
Relatives | Joseph Nasi (nephew) |
Gracia Mendes Nasi (1510 – 1569), also known as Doña Gracia or La Señora (The Lady), was a Portuguese Jewish philanthropist, businesswoman, and one of the wealthiest women of Renaissance Europe. She married Francisco Mendes (Hebrew name: Tsemach Benveniste). She was the maternal aunt and business partner of João Micas (alias, Hebrew name Joseph Nasi), who became a prominent figure in the politics of the Ottoman Empire. She developed an escape network that saved hundreds of conversos from the Inquisition.
She was also known by her Christianized name Beatriz (Beatrice) de Luna Miques.